Abstract. 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an emerging technology with great potential for the future. As an alternative to Conventional Manufacturing (CM) processes, the unique features of AM, such as enormous freedom of design, quick prototyping, easy entry, and higher materials yield, are paving the way toward sustainability. Nevertheless, AM can be challenging due to the weakness in manufacturing scaling and standards, and lower production speed.
In sustainability, environment, societies and economies are the pillars, and AM assists sustainable manufacturing in reducing cost and lead time. Compared to CM, AM significantly enhances flexibility and shaping via the layer-by-layer method rather than subtracting processes.
In this paper, the integration of plastic recycling and Home Based Manufacturing by 3D printing, through standardization and collaboration for a more sustainable future is discussed. This study indicates that strategy control of local recycling and 3D printing of plastics reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain. More importantly, AM manufacturing may create jobs locally and reduces physical migration